Makana Charters (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Makana Charters?
What makes it 83% Solo-Friendly: Shared tours sell per seat, so a solo guest pays no surcharge, meets other travelers, uses supplied snorkel gear, and has marine restrooms, making the 5-hour cruise convenient and sociable.
Positives:
- Meet Fellow Travelers: Smaller shared boats let you connect with other guests during the cruise.
- All-Inclusive Amenities: Lunch, drinks, snorkel gear, restrooms, and showers are included in your ticket.
Challenges:
- Sun Exposure: Shade is limited on deck; wear sunblock, a hat, and UV-protective clothing.
- Potential Cancellations: Tours may cancel if seas are rough; confirm the day before departure.
What is Makana Charters?
- A charter boat company that operates a fleet of catamarans and motor yachts along Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast
- A family-owned business providing private and shared charters aboard vessels such as the Makana, Na Pali Kai III, and Hina‘ea
- A U.S. Coast Guard–certified operator that equips each vessel with onboard restrooms, freshwater showers, snorkel gear, and flotation devices
What is so special about Makana Charters for solo trip?
- Join a shared catamaran for a half-day Na Pali Coast tour
- Snorkel in clear bays with provided gear and enjoy a deli lunch
- Meet fellow travelers on smaller boats—no solo fee
- Learn Hawaiian legends from friendly, native crew
- All amenities such as gear, food, and restrooms are included
Recommended visit duration: 4-5 hours
Why 4-5 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: This allows a shared morning or afternoon cruise with snorkeling, sea caves, and lunch.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Makana Charters
Shared Na Pali Coast Tour:
Cruise the Nā Pali Coast on a catamaran to see sea caves, dolphins, and enjoy a deli-style lunch.
Tip: Book the smaller Seiko or Makana boat for a more intimate group and chat with crew.
Snorkel at Nu'alolo Kai:
Use provided snorkel gear to swim in clear waters off the coast.
Tip: Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding and secure your sunscreen in a plastic bag.
Hear Hawaiian Legends:
Listen as the crew shares stories about the land, sea, and native culture.
Tip: Ask the crew questions to start conversations with fellow travelers.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Makana Charters
- Pick Morning Sail: Morning tours often have smoother waters and better light for photos.
- Choose Smaller Vessel: Book the Seiko or Makana boat for a group of 12–16 and easier conversation.
- Arrive Early: Check in 30 minutes before departure to claim your preferred deck spot.
Reviews of Makana Charters
Cindy Kitade
GREAT Charter Tour - Highly Recommend! Fantastic experience from beginning to end! Makana, Charlie and Mike made up our crew and they were personable, professional, knowledgeable, had good senses of humor, and were focused on everyone's safety. Not only was the Napali Coast even more beautiful than we imagined, their stories brought the ocean, caves, cliffs, waterfalls and valleys to life. We were...
abhilash Sasidharan
Amazing Nā Pali Coast Experience with Makana Charters! We had an unforgettable time with Makana Charters on their Nā Pali Coast tour in Kauai. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and the crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel safe and comfortable throughout the trip. Seeing the dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and pristine coastline was incredible—but the highlight was spotting ...
Kelly Campbell
We had a great experience with Makana Charter, from the first call with Hili to the helpful text and email confirmations with clear and accurate directions. Our day out was especially calm and sunny for a late December excursion. Everyone in our group, from my 81-year old dad to my 4-year-old nephew, had a blast. The guides were knowledgeable and shared information on the early Hawaiians who lived...
Rebecca Burkhalter
This boat tour of the Nā Pali coast was the highlight of our trip! The views were so beautiful and the staff (Makana, Charlie, and Eli) were so nice and knowledgeable! Makana was the boat captain and he got us up close and personal with the caves. It was super cool!! I know other tours didn’t get nearly as close and they were surely feeling jealous of us. We had a great time and would 10/10 recomm...
kshama Shah
Exceptional Experience with Makana Charters! Makana Charters gave us an unforgettable Napali Coast boat tour in Kauai. The captain and staff were absolutely amazing—so caring, respectful, and genuinely attentive throughout the entire trip. We were blown away by the breathtaking Napali mountains, the stunning coastline, and the beautiful waterfalls. The team shared so many interesting details and...
When is the best time to visit Makana Charters (Hawaii, United States)?
Winter (Dec–Mar) can bring humpback whales but choppier seas—take seasickness meds. Summer (May–Sep) offers calmer waters and clearer snorkeling.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Shared cruise ticket | USD 199 |
| Tip (recommended 10%) | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 219 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Makana Charters
Address: 4516 Alawai Rd, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
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About Makana Charters
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 808-338-998010 BEST nearby Activities
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